Criteria for involvement
To serve as an intern through our program, we ask that you go through a six-step process.
1. Do your homework.
We’re not the only internship program out there, and we want you to make sure you’re picking the right program. That’s why we happily invite you to take a look at some of the other internship programs that are available to you. (Just to be clear: This list is not exhaustive nor do we get any kind of kickback or commission for referring you to other programs.) We happen to think our team-based, design-thinking approach is the best, but we’re kinda kindred spirits with the people encouraging people to get out and vote. We don’t necessarily care who you go with; we just want you to get engaged at the global level.
2. Think about how you’ll pay for this.
Whether you go through us or another internship program, these experiences aren’t cheap. You may even be asking yourself why you need an organization like ours in the first place. (We’ve answered that question in full detail in our FAQs, but suffice it to say, putting these experiences together and making them pop is both a science and an art.) If you’re a real go-getter who can do some extra research in finding an organization, coordinating the logistics and designing a meaningful project-based experience, then you really don’t need us. (But give us a call. We could always use someone with your skills to help us continue to deliver the best program out there.) If you’re like the rest of us, though, you’ll need to find a way to cover the costs of your experience.
We know how hard it is to pay for these types of experiences. Still, there are ways to defray the cost. We’ve included a short list of examples below. Email us if you think of any additional ideas we should add to this list.
Start an online fundraising campaign.
Run in a 5K or other race on behalf of GYEC.
Ask people to give to GYEC for your birthday.
No matter how which method you use above, we will earmark every dollar of your campaign, the sweat equity you earned through your run or the patience you employed during your birthday to cover the costs of your program fee. (And don’t be afraid to give us a call if you need some help launching any one of these ideas. We’re happy to guide you along the way.)
3. Apply to our program.
If, after doing your research, you feel that we’re the best fit for what you’re looking for in an internship and you’ve got a plan in place to pay for this experience, then go ahead and apply. Our application should take you anywhere from 30–45 minutes to complete. Best of all, you’ll hear back from us within 48 hours.
4. Get ready for your project and presentation.
Huge disclaimer: We’re a project-based internship program. Even more, we’re an organization that wants to develop your skills as a translational leader. (Check out the definition in our FAQs.) That said, we want you to walk away from your experience with us having something you can put on your resume and speak about with potential employers or grad schools that are interested in your knowledge and skills. So (big surprise), we want you to complete a mini-project to test your mettle. Here are a few examples:
Start a GYEC chapter on your campus. This means not only working with the proper representatives at your college/university to start an organization, but it also means rounding up a handful of students who are as passionate about connecting local and global issues as you are. (Don’t worry, we’ve got an e-book that can guide you through the most treacherous tasks.)
Lead a roundtable discussion on your campus or in your community about a global topic that has local importance. For instance, in Michigan, there is an ongoing debate about accepting Syrian refugees. Obviously, the refugee/migrant crisis has global implications, but it's also affecting our state in particular ways, which makes for an engaging conversation.
Identify both a local organization and a global organization and see what they have in common.
Are these mini-projects a little self-serving? Perhaps, but they will also help you connect constituencies, weave networks, perspectives, knowledge systems and agendas together and encourage collaboration around a common purpose.
But completing the project is just one part of your task. For the next part, you’ll have to schedule some time with us to present what you learned from completing that project. (We’re all about reflection here. And research shows the more you reflect, the greater gains you experience.)
If you have any questions, comments or concerns about how to get your project off the ground, feel free to call or email us anytime.
5. Practice patience.
After you present to us, you’ll have to do a little bit of waiting. We know it’s never fun to wait to receive good or bad news, but sometimes, it is what it is. We promise we’ll make our decision as soon as we can, but it may take a while.
6. Get ready to serve.
For us, service isn’t about just showing up and doing whatever you’re asked to do. We work side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners. In that sense, we’re collaborative designers and co-creators. We’re community builders and problem solvers. So if you’re accepted into our program, that’s what we expect you to do.
Still, everyone has to start somewhere, and fortunately for you, we’ve designed our orientation so that you get to know your teammates, while building your creative confidence. You’ll also learn a little history and explore what life we’ll be like while serving as an intern.
Our application is open to everyone based on the criteria above and our belief in promoting diversity and inclusion. Nevertheless, we will evaluate all applicants based on their maturity, motivation, skills, responsibility, physical and mental health as well as their cultural sensitivity.